Mascots support Prostate Cancer UK

Donnie and Mooie proved it’s not the winning but the taking part that counts as they competed in the Football League Mascot Race in support of Prostate Cancer UK last Friday.

The York City FC mascot Yorkie the Lion triumphed at the half furlong (approx. 100m) dash held at Doncaster race course, which saw 26 mascots from 23 clubs across England take on the race. Dons cows Donnie and Mooie finished 24th and 25th respectively.

The challenge was part of Prostate Cancer UK’s partnership with The Football League to raise awareness of prostate cancer – the most common cancer in men in the UK.

The competition was fearsome. Chasing Yorkie, in second place was Billy Brewer from Burton Albion FC, and Chaddy Owl from Oldham Athletic AFC secured third place. The trio were presented with medals by Sukhi Dale, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Prostate Cancer UK.

Sukhi said: “We would like to thank all the mascots who took part in today’s race. Each and every one made a sterling effort to cross the line first and help raise awareness of a disease affecting 250,000 men in the UK, in one of the charity’s more unconventional events this year.

“It’s not every day you see dozens of dogs, rams and monkeys bounding along a race course, but everyone entered the dash in exactly the right spirit. A special well done has to go to Yorkie the Lion, though, who now has the prestigious mantle of being this year’s Mascot Race winner.”

John Nagle, Head of Communications at The Football League, said: "Many congratulations to Yorkie the Lion for taking the Mascot Race title, and well done to all the mascots that came along to support our partnership with Prostate Cancer UK.

"It was a fantastic occasion and will hopefully help to raise awareness of prostate cancer amongst football and racing fans alike.”

The Mascot Race marks the beginning of a weekend of racing during which The Racing Post – which is also partnered with the charity - will dedicate The Prostate Cancer UK Charity Race in support of the charity on Saturday, and hold a 5k ‘Do it for Dad’ fun run on Sunday.

Prostate Cancer UK’s partnership with The Football League will run throughout the 2012/13 season, with the aim of raising funds for and awareness of the disease amongst the football community and the wider public.